5 Safety Tips for Baby Carrier Wearing
Babywearing has become a popular trend. Experts recommend that you wear your baby while breastfeeding to reduce crying and bond with your baby. This is how to protect your baby if you babywear in a carrier.
Do Your Research
You should first test out a range of carriers before purchasing one. You can do this by attending a local Baby wearing International meeting.
Once you have narrowed your options down, make sure your baby is at least 6 months old. You can also look online for safety reviews and verify that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC) hasn’t recalled the carrier. The instruction manual can be found on the packaging or on the manufacturer’s site. You may also view any instructional videos. It is important to learn as much information as you can before you allow your baby to start wearing it.
You can practice using the carrier
The carrier can be used without your baby. Low suggests using a doll or stuffed animal instead. It is important to practice putting on and taking off the carrier. Do not hesitate to ask for help. However, you can also practice the carrier on your own.
You should be able to take the carrier off and put it on again. This process can be difficult to master, but you’ll soon get used to it. Once you are comfortable with it, continue to carry it around the house without your baby.
Danelle Fisher M.D. FAAP is the chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John’s Health Center Santa Monica.
Check their position in the carrier
You must ensure that your baby is correctly placed in the carrier. Keep your baby’s airway open. Dr. Fisher says that your baby should not place their chin into your chest or press their face up against your body. These positions can block your baby’s ability to breathe and cause suffocation.
Your baby should stand straight with their faces visible. Newborns require extra attention. Dr. Fisher states that babies must be able to support their heads and have neck strength.
Wraps are recommended for babies under 4 months. They can be used to support their necks and head. Before you purchase one, ensure that your baby is at least 6 months old. You can also check with the manufacturer to verify the insert is compatible with your carrier.
The position of the baby’s legs is very important. It is important that your baby’s legs don’t hang straight down as this can affect hip development and lead to hip dysplasia (a condition where the hip joint becomes deformed). Dr. Fisher suggests that baby’s legs be spread apart, and that the legs should be crossed over your body. This allows for healthy hip positioning.
Don’t leave your baby in the car seat for too long. Dr. Fisher states that this is not the position your baby should be kept in for long periods of time. Dr. Fisher suggests limiting the time that the baby is in the carrier to just an hour. You can then give your baby a break to allow them to move and prevent overextension.
Dress for the Weather
Winter allows you to wear your baby either inside or out of your coat. Low suggests that you keep your baby inside if you prefer. You can dress them in their indoor clothes with a hat, then put on the carrier, baby and coat.
Keep the coat closed to your face so that you can see your cutie. Put them in their winter clothes and then put them on the carrier. Once they are comfortable, adjust the straps and place the baby in the carrier. Cover their heads with nothing. They can be affected by it, regardless of how thin they are.
Take Care
You can lose your balance if you’re carrying your baby. Pay attention when entering and exiting doors. Be sure to bend at the knees when bending and support your baby using one or both your hands. Low suggests that you inspect your carrier before each use in order to check for frayed seams, buckles, and other issues.
Follow these safety tips to make sure your baby is safe. These simple steps will make babywearing easier and safer for your baby.